What is the primary disorder indicated by ABGs: pH 7.25, PaCO₂ 70, HCO₃⁻ 28?

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary disorder indicated by ABGs: pH 7.25, PaCO₂ 70, HCO₃⁻ 28?

Explanation:
This pattern shows a respiratory problem with the body attempting to compensate. The pH is acidic, indicating acidemia. The PaCO2 is markedly elevated, which means the primary disturbance is hypoventilation leading to carbon dioxide retention (respiratory acidosis). The bicarbonate is also elevated (HCO3− of 28), which currencies the kidneys have begun to retain bicarbonate to buffer the excess acid—this is metabolic compensation. Because the pH remains acidic despite the elevated bicarbonate, the compensation is partial, consistent with respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation. Metabolic acidosis would show a low bicarbonate with acidemia but not a high CO2. Metabolic alkalosis would raise pH and bicarbonate. Respiratory alkalosis would have a low CO2 with a high pH.

This pattern shows a respiratory problem with the body attempting to compensate. The pH is acidic, indicating acidemia. The PaCO2 is markedly elevated, which means the primary disturbance is hypoventilation leading to carbon dioxide retention (respiratory acidosis). The bicarbonate is also elevated (HCO3− of 28), which currencies the kidneys have begun to retain bicarbonate to buffer the excess acid—this is metabolic compensation. Because the pH remains acidic despite the elevated bicarbonate, the compensation is partial, consistent with respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation.

Metabolic acidosis would show a low bicarbonate with acidemia but not a high CO2. Metabolic alkalosis would raise pH and bicarbonate. Respiratory alkalosis would have a low CO2 with a high pH.

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